86 the Violence!
Sex Workers Rise Up
After an unprecedented nationwide organizing effort, sex workers made history last week in convincing the U.S. government to fully accept the United Nation's recommendation #86*. For the first time ever, the U.S. federal government has officially condemned violence and discrimination against sex workers. This public art instillation celebrates that decision in a symbolic display of recognition and hope. Sex workers are wearing targets on their bodies to underscore the laws, police misconduct and prevailing cultural attitudes that lead to us becoming targets of violence. Each performer will stand for 86 minutes bound, blindfolded and gagged. On the 86th minute, each will break free and erase the targets from their bodies, leaving the objects that bound them in the shape of an 86 on the ground.
This represents our hope that recommendation 86 may finally be start, to the end of the violence. If you would like more information on this story of the rise of the sex workers, please go to: www.humanrightsforall.com
The face that as a sex worker, I am not taken
seriously if I report violence crimes
committed against me, makes me a target.
A study in Washington DC found that more than 50% of sex workers who went to the police for
assistance were either ignored or further abused by officers.
You can also visit SWOP-NYC to learn more about the Sex Workers Outreach Project, or just to get involved.
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Recommendation 86 from PJ Starr on Vimeo.
